The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
The Story So Far……………………
Nestled in ten acres of private estate land on the banks of the River Tweed, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is a splendid baronial country house hotel. The hotel is privately owned and offers four star accommodation (AA & Visit Scotland) in the heart of the Scottish Borders. The hotel has 38 bedrooms and is a wonderful destination for dining, leisure breaks, business events and weddings.
Offering panoramic views it was in 1845 that the original core of the current building was constructed. At that time it was a private residence and the home of Lady Griselle Baillie.
The house was modernised in 1875 by Lord Jerviswood, Lady Griselle’s brother, and remained in the family until 1929 when it was purchased by the Scottish Motor Traction Company. They very soon added the east wing and launched it as a “Tourist Hotel” in 1932. Over the next sixty years the Hotel changed hands several times.A new company, headed by John J Wallace whose family have had business interests in the area for over 25 years purchased the Hotel in April 2007. The last two years have brought significant refurbishment and service improvements to the Hotel. As well as introducing the Lady of Mertoun Suite, many of the Hotel's hotels public areas have been enhanced. This successful refurbishment has preserved the character of the Hotel by the retention of many well known features but has also added extra luxury where required.
The Hotel's Tweed restaurant holds 2 AA rosettes and 5 "Food Stars" from Food Review Scotland (out of a maxamim of 6) the Tweed Restaurant won the ‘Restaurant Turnaround’ award at the 2009 Scottish Hotel Awards. Mark also received the‘Medaille d’Or for Dinner Excellence’. Mark's food focuses on the very best locally sourced produce, which comes together to form the Tweed Restaurant’s à la carte menu, inspired by his own unique style and love for modern Scottish cuisine. Pan-seared West Coast Scallops, Mini Pomme Fondant, Parsley Mayonnaise, Tomato Jelly, and Duo of Border Hill lamb with parsley root purée, Wild Leeks, confit beetroot and a rosemary jus, and "Broken" Lemon Tart, are among the dishes that can be found on the exciting new eight-course menu. In November 2008, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel launched the Abbey Bar, which provides a less formal alternative to the restaurant whilst offering the same highest quality food – the perfect place to unwind and relax. Traditional classic dishes such as fish and chips, game pie,lamb burgers and fillet steak and chips are offered. All desserts are made in-house by the pastry team and are based on traditional British classics. With service from noon until 9pm, visitors to the hotel can enjoy an all-day dining experience. A truly vast list of wines from all over the world complements the fantastic menus, and private dining can be arranged in the fabulous refurbished function rooms. With its unrivalled river views, this hotel is a perfect relaxing weekend retreat, and its award-winning restaurant also offers the finest dining experience to non residents.
Last but not least, a word about our oldest guest. In common with many old houses, the Hotel is reported to be haunted. Long before the current house was built in 1845 one of the monks from the adjacent Abbey formed an association with the young lady of the house. When the abbot learned of this he ordered that the monk be killed immediately and when this was done the young lady was so distraught she threw herself into the river and drowned.
The lady has become known as “The Grey Lady” and is our own ghost. She has been seen walking across the chain bridge and, in more recent times, in the out buildings of the Hotel. She only makes her presence felt when something is happening in the Hotel which concerns her and there were several sightings when the Hotel was given over to the builders in late 1991 and early1992.